April 14, 2008

Chekhov’s Short Stories – Coming Soon to One-Minute Book Reviews

“I have recently re-read much of Chekhov and it’s a humbling experience. I don’t even claim Chekhov as an influence because he influenced all of us. Like Shakespeare his writing shed the most perfect light — there’s no striving in it, no personality. Well, of course, wouldn’t I love to do that!”

Alice Munro

Writers tend to revere Anton Chekhov for his short stories. But others may know him better for his frequently revived plays, including Uncle Vanya, The Seagull, The Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard. What do Chekhov’s stories offer to people who don’t hope to become the next Alice Munro, the Canadian titan of the form? One-Minute Book Reviews will consider the question soon.